China has opened a new direct rail freight route from Xining (Qinghai Province) to the Balkan velayat in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’.

The first train, carrying 55 containers loaded with electrical goods, car parts, clothing and everyday consumer goods, has already set off. The route passes through the Khorgos border crossing and across Kazakhstan, with delivery taking around 14–15 days.

The new line will provide a direct rail link between Qinghai Province and Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, which is expected to reduce logistics costs and strengthen trade ties with Central Asia.